 | ||||||
Fusion Condition and Environmental Inspection Services - Radon
RADON
Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually. Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon.
Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. Two studies, a North American study and a European study, both combined data from several previous residential studies. These two studies go a step beyond earlier findings. They confirm the radon health risks predicted by occupational studies of underground miners who breathed radon for a period of years. Early in the debate about radon-related risks, some researchers questioned whether occupational studies could be used to calculate risks from exposure to radon in the home environment. “These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes,” said Tom Kelly, Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division. “We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”
The presence of radon in a home cannot be detected by human senses. The only way to know if your home contains radon gas is to test. EPA recommends that homes with high Radon concentration above 4 pCi/L be mitigated. There are many straight-forward reduction techniques that will work in almost any home
This is a good time to focus on testing and on fixing homes with a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more.
Heed the Surgeon General's warning. Take action now to reduce your family's risk of lung cancer from radon!
Fusion Services, LLC provides radon testing using state of the art equipment and follows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Protocols. We are certified by the National Environmental Health Association, one of the two certifying organizations recognized by the EPA, and are Radalink associates. Radalink computerized short-term continuous monitors and lab analysis provide the most reliable and complete radon information available, and meet the EPA recommendation for real estate transactions.
Information Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Radon Program
U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory
"Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques." January 2005
“Any real estate test for radon should include steps to
prevent or detect interference with the test”.
Radon Testing Checklist
For reliable test results, follow this Radon Testing Checklist carefully. Improper testing may yield inaccurate results and require another test. Disturbing or interfering with the test device, or with closed-house conditions, may invalidate the test results and is illegal in some states. If the seller or qualified tester cannot confirm that all items have been completed, take another test.
Before Conducting a Radon Test
- Notify the occupants of the importance of proper testing conditions. Give the occupants written instructions or a copy of this Guide and explain the directions carefully.
- When doing a short-term test ranging from 2-4 days, it is important to maintain closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and during the entire test period.
- When doing a short-term test ranging from 4-7 days, EPA recommends that closed-house conditions be maintained.
- If you conduct the test yourself, use a qualified radon measurement device and follow the laboratory's instructions. Your state may be able to provide you with a list of do-it-yourself test devices available from qualified laboratories.
- If you hire someone to do the test, hire only a qualified individual. Some states issue photo identification (ID) cards; ask to see it. The tester's ID number, if available, should be included or noted in the test report.
- The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect interference with testing conditions or with the testing device itself.
- If the house has an active radon-reduction system, make sure the vent fan is operating properly. If the fan is not operating properly, have it (or ask to have it) repaired and then test.
During a Radon Test:
- Maintain closed-house conditions during he entire time of a short term test, especially for tests shorter than one week in length.
- Operate the home's heating and cooling systems normally during the test. For tests lasting less than one week, operate only air-conditioning units which recirculate interior air.
- Do not disturb the test device at any time during the test.
- If a radon-reduction system is in place, make sure the system is working properly and will be in operation during the entire radon test.
After a Radon Test:
- If an elevated level is found, fix the home. Contact a qualified radon-reduction contractor about lowering the radon level. EPA recommends that you fix the home when the radon level is 4 pCi/L or more.
- Be sure that you or the radon tester can demonstrate or provide information to ensure that the testing conditions were not violated during the testing period.
Information Source: National Environmental Health Association-Radon Proficiency Program
Protect Your Investment and
Your Health
Have Your
Home Inspected
Condition and Environmental Inspections
Serving the Chicago Metro Area
Call or Email for Information or
to Schedule an Appointment
(703) 286-9545
mail@fusionsvc.com
"An Integrated Approach to Real Property Inspection"
Fusion Services provides computerized short-term continuous monitoring radon test and follow-up long term testing when elevated radon levels are detected. Fusion Services is certified by the Nation Environmental Health Association-Radon Proficiency Program (NEHA-NRPP), one of only two certifying organizations recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We adhere to all EPA protocols; and we are a Radalink affiliate, providing the most reliable radon information available.
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Radon Test
mail@fusionsvc.com
703-286-9545
Click to view the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Publications in pdf format.
Click to view the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Public Service Announcement Videos
